Francolin and spurfowl were for a long time all referred to as francolin. Although the birds all look similar scientists have discovered that they are not even that closely related. Broadly speaking, a francolin is smaller and has yellow legs. It flushes when disturbed from the open areas where it lives and has a musical call. A spurfowl is larger and has orange, red or black legs. It sits tight or runs when disturbed (rather than flushing) and roosts in trees at night. Spurfowl have harsh calls. The name ‘spurfowl’ is derived from the backwards-facing spurs on its heels. These are believed to be used for dualling during courtship battles between males.
Info source URL: http://southafrica.co.za/francolin-and-spurfowl.html
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The photo was taken during 2016-01 at Bushtime at Mabula, Bela-Bela, Limpopo, South Africa.
